At Sleep Dentistry of Portland, we believe prevention is the best medicine. Brushing and flossing at home should be combined with regular exams and cleanings to prevent dental disease or catch concerns when early, less-costly treatment is still an option. Preventative dentistry saves Portland, OR patients money, so your Portland dental hygiene routine is our priority.
Dental Deep Cleaning
The buildup of plaque is a persistent problem for teeth, and Sleep Dentistry of Portland uses special cleaning to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
Plaque is a mixture of bacteria, their waste products, and food residue. Over time, it builds up and irritates the gums. This inflammation is known as gingivitis or gum disease. Untreated, gum disease will erode the upper and lower jaw bone resulting in complete tooth loss.
Scaling and root planing is a type of deep cleaning performed by a dental professional. This procedure goes a step further than other cleanings and removes plaque and tartar below the gum line. Scaling and root planing help to restore the health of both teeth and gums, preventing bone loss and preserving the bone line.
For your comfort during cleaning, Sleep Dentistry of Portland uses ultrasonic tools alongside traditional hygiene instruments. In addition to local anesthetic, optional sedation may be used during this procedure. Scaling and root planing is key to restoring gum health, and being relaxed or even asleep will make this important treatment fly by.
Routine Teeth Cleanings
Regular teeth cleanings are a vital component of care at Sleep Dentistry of Portland. In fact, these routine appointments are the best way to prevent gum disease. Even so, we know many people would rather have nothing to do with the dentist’s office as long as everything seems ok. The problem is, issues can develop without any visible symptoms—pain or tooth decay may only be noticeable after disease has gained a foothold and requires more serious treatment.
Sleep Dentistry of Portland takes extra steps to make patients comfortable during routine cleanings and examinations.
- Digital x-rays are quicker to take and deliver instant results.
- Our drills use electric motors that avoid the high-pitched whine often associated with the dentist.
- A wealth of distractions, like digital TV and radio, make appointments fly by.
- Patients who have strong anxiety or fear about visiting a dentist really benefit from our sedation options.
Stopping dental disease before it starts is the best and most affordable way for Sleep Dentistry of Portland to care for your teeth, and we make regular cleanings as comfortable as possible.
Dental Fluoride Treatment
The use of fluoride treatment is one of the ways in which Sleep Dentistry of Portland practices preventative dental care. As part of your dental hygiene service, fluoride applications can help improve the health of your mouth and help prevent costly dental illnesses in the future.
With fluoride, teeth resist the acid of plaque better, staving off cavities and allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life. While fluoride is an essential supplement for kids, it also has many benefits for adults as well. Adult fluoride treatment helps permanent teeth fight decay, too.